There’s a new quarterback on the scene. A potent running game was pivotal to a breakout season last year. There’s promise on the offensive line. There aren’t many sure things in the receiving game.

That sounds familiar to Syracuse fans. It also applies to Wagner, which visits the Carrier Dome on Saturday for its first meeting ever with the Orange.

A few items on the need-to-know list for the Seahawks: Coach Walt Hameline has piled up more than 200 career victories and led Wagner to the 1987 Division III national title. The school played its first game against a major-college opponent last year, losing 7-3 at Florida Atlantic. The Seahawks made their first FCS playoff appearance last fall after winning the Northeast Conference.

As for this year’s offense …

QUARTERBACKS

Matt Misley took over the graduated Nick Doscher, who threw for 13 touchdowns, ran for five more and tossed only one interception all of last season. Misley’s numbers through two games are unremarkable (280 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and a 57.1 completion percentage).

One of the more interesting elements Misley provides is that he is also the Seahawks’ punter, averaging 38.0 yards a punt so far. His presence ensures a fake is a more plausible option than usual every time Wagner faces a fourth down.

RUNNING BACKS

This is a definite strength for Wagner, which returns a 1,300-yard rusher from a season ago. Fifth-year senior Dominique Williams is a compact back (5-foot-9, 205 pounds) who already has a pair of 100-yard days this season.

Wagner has also brought along freshman Matthias McKinnon, who has 69 yards on 17 carries this season. Misley is also a threat to take off and already has two rushing touchdowns in two games.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Wagner was not overly dependent on the passing game a year ago, averaging a little more than 20 attempts per game. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks had no receiver collect more than 40 catches or 500 yards through the air.

Only two players have snagged more than four catches over Wagner’s first two games. Duke transfer Tyree Watkins has 10 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown, while Anthony Carrington (last year’s top holdover) has hauled in seven catches for 63 yards. Carrington was more of a deep threat last season, averaging 18.2 yards per reception.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This is a capable group. Three incumbent starters remain from last year’s playoff run, and all but one of the players atop the depth chart is listed at less than 290 pounds.

That would be redshirt freshman Nazir Barnett, who starts at left guard at 265 pounds. Nonetheless, imposing tackles Matt McBride and Brett Buzzard are both large, veteran presences along the line.